MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) marked its best year ever for revenue in 2017. By hosting 380 meetings, conventions and tradeshows and sustaining nearly 7,500 hospitality jobs in the community last year, the MCC continues to be a key jobs creator for hospitality employees in Minneapolis. Additionally, 2018 is shaping up to be a standout year with numerous marquee conventions scheduled, including the 100th annual American Legion National Convention, the National Education Association Annual Meeting and the Annual Session of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

“The Minneapolis Convention Center continues to provide jobs, generate tax revenue and play a significant role in visitor spending within our community at impressive rates of return,” said Minneapolis Convention Center Executive Director Jeff Johnson. “The community investment in Minneapolis’ infrastructure for hospitality is surely fueling these great outcomes, and we are expecting another record-breaking year in 2018.”

Minneapolis Convention Center highlights for 2017 include:

Produced $19.6 million in revenue, $1 million more than ever before, and 105% of the year’s goal

Generated an estimated $18 million in tax revenue for the City of Minneapolis

Welcomed 819,000 attendees to 380 events

In an industry where 70 percent occupancy is considered fully booked to allow for move-in and move-out days, the MCC maintained 60 percent occupancy for 2017, 10 percent higher than other convention centers of similar size*

The MCC is also reaching new milestones with its sustainability program. Beginning in 2018, event planners will receive a post-show report detailing their event’s sustainability efforts, including water, energy and waste. This will allow planners to understand the impact of their event and also highlights the MCC’s ongoing environmental programs.

Sustainability wins for 2017:

First convention center in the U.S. to earn Version 4 LEED certification — the most stringent certification yet

Earned Green Meeting Industry Council Certification

New storm water system prevented five million gallons of untreated water from flowing into the Mississippi River

Exceeded waste recycling goal of 60 percent by achieving a rate of 61 percent for 2017